Coppin State University to Provide Health Consultations for Summer Camps at the Maryland Zoo

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is partnering with Coppin State University to provide medical consultation for the Zoo’s sold out Keeper-in-Training program and week-long summer camps. 

Two family nurse practitioners from the Coppin State University Community Health Center will coordinate with the Zoo on a plan of action in the event of medical emergencies, and to review camper health forms to make camps as accessible as possible, and better equip the Zoo to accommodate special needs wherever possible. Nurses will also be on-call to provide medical advice. The Zoo has licensed paramedics as part of its Safety team, and incorporating the team from Coppin State University provides an additional layer of health, safety, and accessibility for campers who will spend their days at the Zoo throughout the summer.

“We partner with local organizations whenever possible and Coppin State is our neighbor so this made perfect sense,” said Kirby Fowler, Maryland Zoo President & CEO. “It’s invaluable to have these professional resources so close at hand.”

“Coppin State University and the Maryland Zoo are anchor institutions invested in the health and well-being of young people in Baltimore,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D. “This collaboration is our way of helping children have a fun and safe summer, while also expanding access to quality care through our Community Health Center. My hope is this will serve as a cornerstone upon which we can establish future partnerships with the Maryland Zoo to benefit our community.”

Family nurse practitioners from the Community Health Center will provide consultation to the Maryland Zoo through September 2022 at no cost.